Idaho elk: the NR draw

[High Climber]

I predict the most Butthurt guys will be the ones that 1) thought they won something when they got a Panhandle tag 3rd choice… then show up blind to hunt the Panhandle or 2) the guys sitting on the sidelines waiting for a point system

 

[crows_nest]

Excellent podcast discussion with IDFW about this specific topic, many good questions asked by the EXO guys.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[K_pem]

I will preface by saying that I am a resident, so I may be a little bias. That being said, I have multiple non-resident buddies that consistently get (or have gotten) non-resident tags in the zones that they wanted, but it took some ridiculous acrobatics to get them year in and year out (one year not getting a tag until after the season had opened).

I think the new system will be a far better way of getting more opportunity out there for people everywhere to get tags that really want them and will weed out the tire kickers that get tags just to get them and barely hunt the tag they "took" from someone who "really wanted it." I also think with the added barrier to entry of having to buy a license, you'll see a lot less of those same tire kickers bogging down the system and muddying the waters. Historically Idaho had always been a fall back option, that obviously changed back in (2019?) when the previous changes to allocation and selection were implemented, then it became kind of a S show...

I still think that there will be a relatively high demand on tags however and knowing the logistics of how this draw is going to work (with everyone's 1st choice getting a first look before moving to 2nd, 3rd, ect.); if I were applying and just wanted to hunt in Idaho without a specific zone in mind, I would take hard consideration in making my first choice something I would be happy with and is realistic to draw, as its entirely likely that most desirable zones won't be available in the subsequent rounds.

On the flip side of that, if you're hard up to get a SPECIFIC zone then by all means make that your 1st choice, just be okay with the likelihood that getting that tag consistently likely won't be the reality. In that case I would add that I'd probably make my desired zone my 1st choice and omit my remaining choices hoping for returned tags in my zone for the second draw; as per IDFG, if you draw in the first draw, you WILL NOT be eligible to apply in the second draw regardless of whether you pick up your tag or not.

 

[K_pem]

What I really want to know (admittedly selfishly) is how seemingly non-residents are getting to early access to apply for capped zone tags in December when residents have to wait until July...

As I understand it, non-residents are allotted UP TO a specific percentage of capped zone tags, NOT set aside a specific percentage of available tags. So, by allowing nonresidents to apply early and presumably take X percent of tags in a given capped zone out of play; are we not potentially decreasing opportunity for residents to get those same capped zone tags?

Seems kinda screwy to me...

(I'll be calling IDFG in the AM to clarify that this is the case)

 

[jonesn3]

Been going back-and-forth with a buddy about strategies on this. Definitely is a tricky call without knowing draw odds. Right now, for me it’s gut feel based on previous years experience for which zones sold out first and trying to prioritize going on a hunt versus trying for a new and possibly better zone. Probably going to put choice one and two as a more difficult and sought after zone, then followed by zones with higher tag allocation. My prediction is this first year tons of ppl will apply and pay the ~$200 license fee to enter, like some else said year two will be a reaction to the first year. I’d imagine anything beyond a third choice won’t be impactful unless it’s a handful of zones that were always remaining in previous years.